When the moon is at its farthest point, it is is called a micromoon . That only happens about twice a year.

What effect will the supermoon have on Earth and people?

Supermoons are closer to the Earth, creating stronger gravitational forces than those of a normal full moon and producing higher tides and bigger waves.

The gravitational pull is said to be 20 to 30 per cent stronger – or even as much as 50 per cent.

It means the tide will be around two inches higher than normal. And although that doesn’t sound like much, meteorologists say higher tides combined with high winds could lead to coastal flooding or produce more intense storms.

It’s also thought that supermoons cause a small increase in tectonic activity by exerting a greater gravitational pull on the molten rock beneath the surface of the Earth, making the ground rise and fall just like the tides in the ocean.

This could then put extra strain on fault lines, triggering an earthquake.

Geologists in Japan believe a supermoon led to the powerful New Zealand earthquake in November 2016.

They claim that several other large earthquakes happened at similar times of ‘tidal stress.’

In addition, vets have recorded more cases of injuries to cats and dogs around the time of a full moon – possibly because the animals are active for longer at night because of bright moonlight.

And some scientific studies have found human sleep patterns are affected – with people sleeping for around 20 minutes LESS on and around the day of a full moon.